Catholic Church Feast Day – Sunday June 19

CORPUS CHRISTI The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

This special day in the Church year is a time to remember the great gift of Eucharist in our lives. The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is a re-enactment of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. At the meal Jesus shared unleavened bread and wine (the staple food of the time) and he instructed his disciples to continue to do this to remember him.

‘And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you (on the Cross); do this in remembrance of me.” … he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you (on the Cross). Do this in memory of me.”

Catholics believe that the piece of bread (host) that is "taken, blessed, broken and given" by the priest, becomes the life of Jesus which was taken, blessed, broken (on the cross) and given in sacrifice for us.

Although the bread and wine physically remain the same (they LOOK like bread and wine), when it is blessed during the Mass it is transformed beyond human comprehension into Jesus. This is called Transubstantiation (the real presence of Jesus in Holy Communion) and it is the most important act of worship.

We go to Mass to receive Jesus’ in Holy Communion just as he asked us to do. And by doing this we are united with each other and strengthened and nourished by Jesus himself for the journey of our lives.

After we receive Jesus at Mass, we are told by the priest to GO FORTH… This means that the Mass is only the beginning; that we are to take Jesus love and share it with all those we meet outside the Church.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION - this Sunday

Please pray for the children at our school and in our Parish who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion this Sunday.

All are welcome and encouraged to SHARE in this celebration as these children are welcomed more fully into the Faith community – a community to nourish and support them for life.

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal

Many thanks to those who have donated so far.

Donations of the following items would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped to the school.

• Thick socks
• Gloves/mittens/beanies/scarves
• Coats
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/doonas
• Non-perishable food items

(please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)